NTSB: ‘Unique Characteristics of Helicopter Ops’ on Most Wanted List

By Staff Writer | February 1, 2014

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has added “the unique characteristics of helicopter operations” to its Most Wanted List for 2014, as the agency continues to look at ways to improve safety among helicopter pilots and operators. Over the last decade, the board has reported 1,470 helicopter accidents with 477 fatalities and 274 serious injuries. During that same period, NTSB issued more than 100 safety recommendations on helicopter-specific issues. Safety officials are continuing to encourage helicopter operators to develop and implement safety management systems (SMS) with effective risk management practices to improve the accident rate and prevent occurrences that lead to crashes.